With this year being unpredictable and different, we have approached our training as a way to try different things and to explore different events. Cancelled races meant new opportunities.
Earlier this summer, Karel was itching for a physical challenge. He wanted some type of event where he would be challenged physically and mentally. After 14 years together, I've learned that anytime Karel says to me "Marni, I have an idea...." I know it's something epic or exciting.
Or, it's a new bike 😄
When Karel mentioned the Florida Xtreme Coast to Coast triathlon in mid November, I immediately told Karel that I wanted to do the event with him. We registered and committed to the 3-day event. He also mentioned applying for Ultraman Florida but I told Karel that I would gladly support him during that extreme ultra endurance event (and not be a participant).
After completing 16 Ironman distance triathlons (and qualifying for the Ironman World Championship six times), I feel that I understand what it takes to successfully navigate through the physical and mental obstacles that occur over swimming, biking and running for a total of 140.6 miles. I still feel extremely challenged by the Ironman distance and I absolutely love the journey of preparing for an Ironman. I also never take the Ironman distance for granted. I've been so thankful that my body has allowed me to train for the Ironman distance for 14 consecutive years. But this year has been all about trying new things and exploring new opportunities.
From November 13th-15th, Karel and I will be participating in the Florida Xtreme Coast to Coast Triathlon. This will be a true test of our physical and mental limits and it'll be a challenge unlike any other endurance event that we have completed.
Not only will we cover over 300 miles over three days - swimming a total of 6 miles, biking a total of 244 miles and running a total of 50.3 miles - but this event takes us from one coast to the other...a triathlon journey over the state of Florida.
Earlier this summer, Karel was itching for a physical challenge. He wanted some type of event where he would be challenged physically and mentally. After 14 years together, I've learned that anytime Karel says to me "Marni, I have an idea...." I know it's something epic or exciting.
Or, it's a new bike 😄
When Karel mentioned the Florida Xtreme Coast to Coast triathlon in mid November, I immediately told Karel that I wanted to do the event with him. We registered and committed to the 3-day event. He also mentioned applying for Ultraman Florida but I told Karel that I would gladly support him during that extreme ultra endurance event (and not be a participant).
After completing 16 Ironman distance triathlons (and qualifying for the Ironman World Championship six times), I feel that I understand what it takes to successfully navigate through the physical and mental obstacles that occur over swimming, biking and running for a total of 140.6 miles. I still feel extremely challenged by the Ironman distance and I absolutely love the journey of preparing for an Ironman. I also never take the Ironman distance for granted. I've been so thankful that my body has allowed me to train for the Ironman distance for 14 consecutive years. But this year has been all about trying new things and exploring new opportunities.
From November 13th-15th, Karel and I will be participating in the Florida Xtreme Coast to Coast Triathlon. This will be a true test of our physical and mental limits and it'll be a challenge unlike any other endurance event that we have completed.
Not only will we cover over 300 miles over three days - swimming a total of 6 miles, biking a total of 244 miles and running a total of 50.3 miles - but this event takes us from one coast to the other...a triathlon journey over the state of Florida.
Here are the logistics:
- Stage 1: November 13th - 2 mile swim in Crystal River, 102 mile bike (from Crystal River to Ocala), 18.6 mile run in Ocala.
- Stage 2: November 14th - 2 mile swim in Ocala, 73 mile bike (from Ocala to Starke), 18.6 mile run in Starke.
- Stage 3: November 15th - 2 mile swim in Starke, 68 mile bike (from Starke to Palm Coast), 13.1 mile run in Palm Coast.
Although we only registered for the event in September, I feel as if all of our years as endurance triathletes has prepared us for many of the physical and mental components that we will experience over three days of racing. However, this event will test us in many new ways - physically and mentally. The logistics of this event will be a new experience for us but we have no idea how our bodies will perform day after day after day. Then you toss in weather, course navigating and a small racing field and it's all a big unknown for our body and mind. Over the summer, we have experienced training through fatigue on a whole new level. We have explored new mental limits and have tested ourselves physically.
We are really looking forward to event as it's much more than a physical challenge.
It's easy and fun to live a life staying in your comfort zone. Life is filled with obstacles, detours, peaks and valleys and road closed signs. There is great value in challenging yourself and getting outside of your comfort zone. Not only do you discover that you are capable of things that you didn't think you could do but you also learned that you have so many more skills, strengths and talents if you just give yourself a chance to explore your limits. Challenging yourself doesn't have to be physical. Learning a new skill, traveling to a new place or changing your normal routine can all be wonderful challenges that force you to break old habits or change mental barriers.
We are really looking forward to event as it's much more than a physical challenge.
It's easy and fun to live a life staying in your comfort zone. Life is filled with obstacles, detours, peaks and valleys and road closed signs. There is great value in challenging yourself and getting outside of your comfort zone. Not only do you discover that you are capable of things that you didn't think you could do but you also learned that you have so many more skills, strengths and talents if you just give yourself a chance to explore your limits. Challenging yourself doesn't have to be physical. Learning a new skill, traveling to a new place or changing your normal routine can all be wonderful challenges that force you to break old habits or change mental barriers.
We all go through difficult times. These moments can take a heavy toll on mood, health and outlook on life. As a result, you may feel helpless, hopeless, stressed and anxious. Resiliency is the ability to cope with trauma, loss and change. The more resilient you are, the better you are able to tolerate uncomfortable and challenging times. Resiliency isn't something you achieve in one day and it's not fixed. It's an ongoing process that requires effort as you build resilience over time.
To build resilience, you must accept the situation for what it is. You must focus on things within your control. Take a step back and maintain a hopeful outlook. You need to be able to look at past successes and coping strategies to gain confidence in a difficult situation. You must feel your feelings but manage your emotions. And most of all, during turbulent times, we must pursue activities and interests that nourish our spirit. Never give up on something that defines you as an individual and brings meaning to your life.
The Florida Xtreme event will teach us so much about ourselves and the world around us, it will strengthen us and help us continue to evolve and grow as human beings.
You can follow along with our event at Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition, Trimarni and on the Xtreme triathlon website.
To learn more about the event, visit HERE.